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Oscar-Winning Disney Animator Returns to Phoenix to Honor His Rescuers
PHOENIX - Glen Keane’s name may not be familiar to most, but for decades his talent with a pencil brought Disney animated characters to life and earned worldwide recognition. Now, a personalized drawing will hang in the Phoenix Police Air Support Unit and at the Phoenix Fire Department’s Station 12. The gift comes after the teams, along with Tempe Fire, rescued Keane from Mummy Mountain on July 29, 2026.
Titled “Our Family Helping Your Family,” the artwork depicts the Phoenix Police Department’s helicopter hoisting Keane from the mountain while Phoenix Fire crews assist him. Renowned for animating Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, the Beast and Tarzan, Keane said he originally considered drawing one of his Disney characters. He decided that would take away from what he called the real heroes, the first responders who showed up that day.
“There’s no fairy tale to this. You guys are the heroes,” Keane said.
At the station, Keane greeted rescuers with warmth and humor, saying, “You were all over the place,” before unveiling the artwork. Fire Capt. Patrick O’Neill said the gift means a great deal because rescuers often receive no follow-up. He said the gesture shows true gratitude and will hang in the station “forever.”
“I was already out on a patrol flight when the call came in. I first used our patrol helicopter to guide fire crews to Mr. Keane’s location,” Phoenix Police Pilot Officer Aaron Richards said. “After that, I returned to the hangar and launched our hoist-capable rescue helicopter. Once fire crews had him stabilized and prepared for extraction, I lifted Mr. Keane off the mountain.”
Keane has spoken publicly about how difficult it can be to ask for help during an emergency. “I think it’s the most difficult thing for somebody to say: I can’t, I need help. And I got to that point, and I was so thankful there was somebody I could call,” Keane said. He also said the rescue left a lasting impact. “I can’t just go off into the sunset and be happy. I felt like I really needed to say thank you to what you guys did.”
